Penksaroma Introduce
For New Jersey residents eager to explore the rich, complex, and comforting flavors of West Africa, Penksaroma stands as a highly-regarded, authentic culinary landmark in Newark. Located on 18th Ave, this establishment is celebrated for offering genuine Nigerian cuisine, often referred to by its patrons as "naija food," prepared with exceptional care and a profound commitment to traditional recipes.
Penksaroma is not just a restaurant; it is a cultural experience. The welcoming environment is immediately noticeable, contributing to the warm and friendly atmosphere that reviewers consistently praise. It is a place where every dish is reportedly "made with so much love," reflecting the deep passion the staff holds for their culinary heritage. This dedication to authenticity and quality has quickly cemented its status as a must-visit destination for anyone in the New Jersey area seeking a truly genuine taste of Africa.
The menu at Penksaroma is extensive, offering a comprehensive selection of Nigerian and African staples. A major highlight, and a key reason for its popularity, is the legendary Ayamase—often a spicy, green pepper stew. One customer review emphatically stated, "I’ve tried ayamase in 6 different restaurants in New Jersey and hers is the best hands down," which is a powerful testament to the skill and authenticity of the kitchen.
The offerings extend far beyond this acclaimed stew, encompassing classic rice dishes, "swallow" meals, and traditional soups, all typically served with a choice of assorted meats, fish, chicken, or turkey. Staples like Jollof Rice ($22.99), Fried Rice ($25.99), and White Rice with Stew Ayamase ($24.99) ensure a satisfying, flavorful experience. The menu also includes a variety of traditional breakfast items, soups, and unique Penks Specials.
Whether you are a Nigerian expatriate looking for a taste of home, or a local New Jersey foodie ready to venture into one of the continent's most dynamic culinary traditions, Penksaroma provides a delicious, genuine, and friendly environment for a memorable meal.
Penksaroma African restaurant is conveniently located at 970 18th Ave, Newark, NJ 07106. Situated in the heart of Newark, the restaurant is well-positioned to serve the local community and visitors from across New Jersey.
The 18th Ave address places the restaurant in an area with established local businesses and residential neighborhoods. For customers driving to the location, the local Newark street system provides accessibility, though as with many popular city locations, street parking availability may vary. The restaurant's strategic location in the 07106 zip code makes it a straightforward destination for users in Newark, Irvington, Elizabeth, and other nearby municipalities, offering a reliable spot for obtaining authentic African cuisine.
The restaurant's presence within this community contributes positively to the local dining landscape, offering a specific, highly-rated ethnic cuisine that is often difficult to find with this level of authenticity in the region.
Penksaroma focuses on making their exceptional African cuisine available and convenient for all local New Jersey customers.
- Takeout: Customers can place their orders and pick up their freshly prepared, authentic Nigerian meals directly from the restaurant.
- Delivery: For maximum convenience, the restaurant offers delivery services through popular third-party apps, bringing the best Ayamase and Jollof Rice directly to homes and offices in Newark and surrounding delivery zones.
- Authentic African & Nigerian Menu: Features a wide range of traditional dishes, including soups, rice plates, and various "swallow" options like Pounded Yam and Fufu.
- Daily Specials and Staple Meals: Catering to both daily cravings and specific culinary searches, such as the highly-rated Ayamase stew.
What truly sets Penksaroma apart in the competitive New Jersey dining scene are its commitment to tradition and the high praise received for specific menu items.
- Best-in-New Jersey Ayamase: A major standout feature is the Ayamase stew, which has been cited by a local customer as being the "best hands down" across six different restaurants in the state.
- Authentic Naija Food: The restaurant delivers genuine Nigerian cuisine, ensuring traditional preparation methods and flavors are maintained, satisfying both long-time aficionados and new explorers of the cuisine.
- Friendly and Welcoming Environment: Customer reviews consistently highlight the "Very friendly and welcoming environment" and the sense of community provided by the staff.
- Extensive Swallow Menu: Offers traditional West African starch bases such as Pounded Yam, Amala, Eba, Oat, and Fufu (all $22.99 with soup and assorted meats), catering to core elements of Nigerian dining.
- Diverse Soup Selections: Features a variety of Nigerian soups often served with the swallow dishes, and also offers rich Pepper Soup options including Snail, Chicken, Fish, and Goat Pepper Soup.
- Specialty Rice Dishes: Provides essential African staples like Jollof Rice and Fried Rice, as well as unique offerings like Coconut Rice and Vegetable Rice.
- Specialty Items: The menu includes interesting choices such as Ewa Aganyin (mashed beans) and Ikokore (water yam porridge), showcasing culinary depth.
To place an order for the highly-regarded Nigerian food or to inquire about the menu, local New Jersey customers can use the following contact details.
Address: 970 18th Ave, Newark, NJ 07106
Phone: (862) 338-0792
Mobile Phone (Direct Line): +1 862-338-0792
For anyone in New Jersey seeking an authentic, high-quality African dining experience, Penksaroma is absolutely worth choosing. The restaurant offers a compelling blend of genuine culinary tradition, rave-worthy food, and heartfelt hospitality.
The number one reason to visit is the food's unmatched authenticity and quality. The feedback that the food is "made with so much love" translates directly into the flavor profile, which customers have rated above competitors. Specifically, the strong claim that their Ayamase is the best in New Jersey is a powerful draw for those who appreciate or want to discover this celebrated stew.
Choosing Penksaroma allows local users to access a very broad spectrum of Nigerian and West African cuisine that is often hard to find prepared with such dedication. From staple foods like Pounded Yam and Fufu served with rich soups, to specialty dishes like Ikokore and various rice plates, the menu caters to both casual and deeply traditional dining desires.
Furthermore, the entire experience is enriched by the friendly and welcoming service. A truly authentic meal is about more than just taste; it's about the atmosphere and the people. Penksaroma provides that warm, culturally rich environment, making every visit a positive experience that keeps customers returning time and again. For a truly authentic slice of Nigeria right in Newark, Penksaroma stands out as the premier choice.
Penksaroma Photos










Penksaroma Location
Penksaroma Reviews
- If you are looking for authentic naija food made with so much love this is the place to come. Very friendly and welcoming environment. May 02 · Bakare Shola
- I’ve tried ayamase in 6 different restaurants in New Jersey and hers is the best hands down May 18 · King Thomas
- May 02 · Alaye Alaye
More restaurants near me
 Bibiu2019s Authentic Flavors4.0 (6 reviews)
Bibiu2019s Authentic Flavors4.0 (6 reviews)S 17th St, East Orange, NJ 07018, USA
 Aduke Nigerian restaurant3.0 (2 reviews)
Aduke Nigerian restaurant3.0 (2 reviews)88 11th Ave W, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
 Reggi's Jerk4.0 (16 reviews)
Reggi's Jerk4.0 (16 reviews)98 9th Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
 S&S Deli4.0 (12 reviews)
S&S Deli4.0 (12 reviews)98 9th Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
 Magic Cones Plant Based Ice Cream Parlor4.0 (13 reviews)
Magic Cones Plant Based Ice Cream Parlor4.0 (13 reviews)550-552 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
 Green Genius0.0 (0 reviews)
Green Genius0.0 (0 reviews)551 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
 The Zucchini Bar Herbal Teau2019s & Treats4.0 (158 reviews)
The Zucchini Bar Herbal Teau2019s & Treats4.0 (158 reviews)547 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
 Blueberry Cafe Juice Bar And Vegan Grille4.0 (604 reviews)
Blueberry Cafe Juice Bar And Vegan Grille4.0 (604 reviews)547 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
 Tropical Restaurant4.0 (34 reviews)
Tropical Restaurant4.0 (34 reviews)543 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
 AMAT AFRICAN FOOD & CATERING LLC3.0 (20 reviews)
AMAT AFRICAN FOOD & CATERING LLC3.0 (20 reviews)91 S 9th St, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
 Sazon Del Patio4.0 (41 reviews)
Sazon Del Patio4.0 (41 reviews)485 W Market St, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
 Domino's5.0 (1 reviews)
Domino's5.0 (1 reviews)Newark, NJ 07107, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites
 EZ DOES IT JAMAICAN RESTAURANT4.0 (79 reviews)
EZ DOES IT JAMAICAN RESTAURANT4.0 (79 reviews) Kingsbridge Coffee Shop4.0 (196 reviews)
Kingsbridge Coffee Shop4.0 (196 reviews) Dae Bak4.0 (175 reviews)
Dae Bak4.0 (175 reviews) Cafe Xochimilco4.0 (476 reviews)
Cafe Xochimilco4.0 (476 reviews) La Piazza Westbury4.0 (1078 reviews)
La Piazza Westbury4.0 (1078 reviews) MOM J3's KITCHEN(MOMJ3KITCHEN)4.0 (40 reviews)
MOM J3's KITCHEN(MOMJ3KITCHEN)4.0 (40 reviews)Top restaurants Searches
Trending Dining Insights Posts
 How Brunch Restaurants Are Elevating Menu Items With Unique Flavor Pairings
How Brunch Restaurants Are Elevating Menu Items With Unique Flavor Pairings How Fast Food Restaurants Are Integrating Healthier Options Into Menus
How Fast Food Restaurants Are Integrating Healthier Options Into Menus Discover the Best American Restaurants That Highlight Regional Specialties
Discover the Best American Restaurants That Highlight Regional Specialties How Vegan Restaurants Are Pioneering Plant-Based Desserts That Taste Indulgent
How Vegan Restaurants Are Pioneering Plant-Based Desserts That Taste Indulgent The Best Italian Restaurants for Family Gatherings
The Best Italian Restaurants for Family Gatherings Discovering Coffee Shops That Offer Specialty Roasts Paired With Seasonal Pastries
Discovering Coffee Shops That Offer Specialty Roasts Paired With Seasonal Pastries
